4: Chapter 4 The First Cry of the Blade

Li Wen habitually walked to a corner, a relatively quiet spot with minimal distractions.

He picked up a standard fine steel quick saber. It felt slightly heavy in his hand, the icy touch instantly calming his mind and focusing his spirit.

He did not rush to swing the saber. Instead, he first closed his eyes, concentrated, and carefully reviewed the twenty-six Move diagrams of the "Tiger Guard Saber Technique," along with every minute detail of his own practice movements.

Following the enhancement of his Comprehension Ability after yesterday's Soul Fusion, the images recalled now were vastly different from before.

In the past, practicing the saber felt more like clumsily and forcefully imitating the outward shape of the Moves.

When he slashed out, he only knew the 'form,' but not the 'Intent.'

Why exert force this way? How should the center of gravity shift with the blade's Intent? What was the significance of the subtle adjustments at the connection points between Moves?

These questions, previously vague or never deeply explored, now shone clearly in his mind like lit stars.

The saber techniques in his memory now appeared incomparably crude and rigid, lacking even a trace of fluidity. Executing them always felt uncomfortably constrained, as if dancing while wearing heavy shackles.

Li Wen understood clearly: for a Martial Arts Technique like Blade Technique, entry might rely on diligent practice to achieve proficiency, but at higher Realms, Comprehension Ability plays the decisive role.

Those lacking sufficient Comprehension Ability often remain trapped at the Top Tier Perfection Realm for their entire lives, unable to grasp that crucial secret technique to step onto the extraordinary starting line of Body, Mind, and Technique Fusion.

Many Martial Artists in Qingshi County wasted their time this way, only barely managing a Breakthrough when their Qi and Blood began to decline, but they had already missed the optimal timing.

And beyond the Unity Realm, the even more profound 'Momentum Realm' demanded a level of Comprehension Ability that was unimaginably harsh.

"Hoo..." Li Wen exhaled lightly, his gaze becoming focused and sharp.

He no longer hesitated. With a flick of his wrist, the quick saber pointed diagonally toward the ground, and then his figure abruptly launched forward!

The first Move, 'Tiger Roars in the Forest,' initiated!

The saber wind suddenly rose. What was different this time was that the saber's whistle carried a sense of power it hadn't possessed before.

Li Wen could clearly feel the resistance of the air being cut by the blade, as well as the transmission of force when his feet gripped the ground.

As the blade's Intent matured and was about to transition into the second Move, 'Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain,' a slight thought stirred in his mind. Instead of mechanically following the manual, he naturally pressed his center of gravity lower based on the shift in his body’s balance and the downward trajectory.

His wrist executed an extremely minute inward rotation, causing the downward chopping force to resemble an inverted waterfall, concentrating the power into an instant explosion, with a sharpness far exceeding his usual execution!

This small alteration was smooth and natural, like an antelope hanging from a horn, leaving no trace, yet it delivered a completely different effect!

Li Wen’s heart rejoiced, as if a new door had opened.

The more he practiced, the more engrossed he became, no longer constrained by the rigid framework of rote memorization.

Every time he drew his saber, he could clearly 'see' the shortcomings within the Move. Countless inspirations burst forth in his mind:

The transition in this Move is slightly sluggish; what if I adjust the wrist angle by half a point? That Move requires too long to build power; can I borrow the strength of the waist and back for an instant burst? Where exactly is the flow of power encountering unnecessary waste?

His Blade Technique was undergoing a visible metamorphosis at a speed the naked eye could perceive.

The originally somewhat stiff and formal set of saber Moves seemed to have been injected with a Soul, beginning to flow like running water, filled with an indescribable 'vitality.'

The saber light was no longer a dull silver gleam, but resembled a trajectory with a life of its own—sometimes like a fierce tiger pouncing, wild and violent; sometimes like a nimble snake flicking its tongue, tricky and unpredictable; sometimes like a strong wind sweeping fallen leaves, continuous and unending.

The transitions between Moves were seamless and natural, with almost no pause.

Fast! Accurate! Ruthless! More importantly, it possessed that 'spirituality' derived from understanding rather than brute force!

[Tiger Guard Saber Technique Experience + 1]

...

[Tiger Guard Saber Technique Experience + 1]

...

The proficiency prompts on the panel jumped steadily like flowing water.

This astonishing change quickly attracted the attention of nearby classmates.

"Hiss..." The first person to notice was Wei Wu, who was not far from Li Wen.

He was casually practicing a famous basic sword Move with a practice sword.

When the corner of his eye caught Li Wen's saber light, he first froze, then subconsciously stopped his own movement, widening his eyes to watch closely.

His mouth opened subconsciously, wide enough to fit an egg.

'This... this is Li Wen?' A tidal wave surged in Wei Wu's heart.

During the physical test a few days ago, he was still that clumsy fellow who swung his saber using brute force, whose Blade Technique was Minor Achievement but appeared heavy and slow.

How is it today... this Blade Technique seems completely reborn? Not only is the speed faster and the movements smoother, but the key is that unreplicable essence!

Before, he could at least tell that Li Wen's Blade Technique Realm was slightly higher than his own, but now... Wei Wu's eyes grew confused. He found he could no longer see through the depth of Li Wen's current Blade Technique at all!

The fluid movements and restrained sharpness gave him a sense of invisible pressure. How did this former Overachiever suddenly have an Epiphany?

Immediately after, another girl who usually paid attention to Li Wen also noticed the anomaly.

"Wei Wu, look at Li Wen!" she gently poked the still-dazed Wei Wu, her voice carrying a hint of amazement. "His saber today... it seems alive?"

Her voice drew the attention of several classmates further away. They all stopped what they were doing, their gazes sweeping uniformly toward Li Wen in the corner.

"Wow... it's really different!"

"Yeah, it doesn't feel like the same person practicing..."

"It's so much more agile, and so much more powerful, right? How long has it been?"

"He wasn't like this yesterday... Strange."

"Tsk tsk, could this be the legendary thick accumulation leading to a sudden burst?"

Discussions rose one after another, their eyes filled with surprise, envy, and confusion.

Li Wen, who only knew how to bury his head and practice diligently, seemed to be rapidly transforming in a way they couldn't comprehend.

Amidst these low murmurs, a steady gaze, solid as a mountain, quietly fell upon Li Wen.

It was their Martial Arts Teacher—Teacher Wang!

Teacher Wang was tall and powerfully built, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and piercing eyes. Even in ordinary practice attire, he couldn't hide the Aura of an iron-blooded tough guy.

At this moment, a distinct look of surprise flashed across his resolute face, which quickly transformed into deep gratification.

Unlike students who only valued talent or family background, Teacher Wang had genuinely cared for and appreciated Li Wen, who came from a poor family with mediocre talent, for the past two years.

For no other reason than the almost obsessive diligence Li Wen possessed! He was always the first student in the Martial Arts Room and the last to leave.

Regardless of wind or rain, regardless of his condition, that persistence and willpower deeply moved Teacher Wang's heart.

He had privately guided Li Wen multiple times, even breaking the rules to give him slightly more training resources or sparring time. In his mind, Li Wen was a promising talent, only lacking opportunity and time.

Now, looking at Li Wen's utterly transformed Blade Technique, watching him immersed in it, performing with ease and reaching a state of gradual Perfection, Teacher Wang felt as if he were watching a piece of unpolished jade that was beginning to shine with its own brilliance after being meticulously carved.

His gaze softened, and the corner of his mouth curved into an arc imperceptible to others.

Immersed in the world of the Blade Technique, Li Wen was completely unaware of the gazes and discussions directed his way.

Intent, Qi and Blood, Moves, and actions achieved an unprecedented harmony and unity at this moment.

His spirit was highly concentrated, as if the entire world consisted only of him and the saber in his hand.

Slash, chop, lift, stab, block, parry... The twenty-six Moves of the Tiger Guard Saber Technique were executed fluidly under his command, without any obstruction.

The doubts accumulated in his heart dissolved like ice and snow under the reflection and practice fueled by his enhanced Comprehension Ability, transforming into the driving force for the smooth operation of the Blade Technique.

Unconsciously, he had already performed the sequence over a dozen times in one breath.

The moment he concluded the final Move, 'Tiger Guards the Strong Pass,' and brought the saber back to rest before his chest, Li Wen felt a warm sensation throughout his body, and a marvelous sense of clarity permeated his limbs and bones.

Simultaneously, the familiar light blue screen appeared as expected, clearly floating in his vision:

[You continuously practiced the Tiger Guard Saber Technique, and your Blade Technique Experience has greatly increased!]

[Skill: Blade Technique - Advanced (Major Achievement 0 / 100)]

It's done! Advanced Blade Technique, Major Achievement!

Immense joy instantly flooded his heart.

Li Wen leaned on his saber, breathing slightly heavily, an indescribable sense of heroism surging in his chest.

Was this Breakthrough fast? Indeed, it was incredibly fast. But Li Wen knew this wasn't entirely due to the Soul Fusion or one day of 'Absolute Focus.'

More importantly, it was the result of his two and a half years of monotonous practice, day in and day out, without any slackening.

It was those drops of sweat and that persistence that solidified the foundation bit by bit, forging every trace of muscle memory to the extreme, thus providing the thickest soil for today's Epiphany.

This is what is meant by thick accumulation leading to a sudden burst, where success comes naturally!

"Hoo..." He let out a long breath, a look of relief mixed with satisfaction spreading across his face.

Just then, a deep voice full of power sounded, carrying undisguised admiration:

"Good! Steady footwork, the saber follows the body, Intent and strength accompany each other! All twenty-six Moves executed in one go, like a fierce tiger patrolling the mountains! Not bad, Li Wen, this is precisely the hallmark of Tiger Guard Saber Technique reaching Major Achievement!"

Teacher Wang had approached without anyone noticing. His eyes shone brightly as he looked at Li Wen, his face full of approving smiles.

His voice was resonant and powerful, clearly reaching every corner of the Martial Arts Room, allowing the classmates still watching Li Wen to hear every word perfectly.

Teacher Wang's affirmation made Li Wen's recent Breakthrough seem even more real and shocking.

"Thank you, Teacher Wang!" Li Wen retracted his saber, cupped his hands, and performed a standard martial arts salute. His demeanor was respectful, his eyes clear, showing no hint of arrogance due to the teacher's praise.

Looking at the youth before him who still carried humility, the appreciation in Teacher Wang's eyes deepened.

He patted Li Wen's somewhat thin shoulder forcefully—although the youth looked a bit straighter than yesterday, the long-term lack of resources still made his frame appear lean.

"Very good! Maintain this spirit and this drive for research!" Teacher Wang's voice carried encouragement and expectation.

"The path of Martial Arts is long; Comprehension Ability and effort are both indispensable. You have grasped the crucial point and found your own rhythm. Continue like this, and you might even advance further before the college entrance exam! I have high hopes for you!"

His tone was sincere, clearly showing he was genuinely happy for the diligent student's Breakthrough.

"Yes!" Li Wen straightened his back and responded in a deep voice, warmth surging in his heart.

He remembered every extra instruction, every moment of being allowed to 'practice longer,' and every encouraging glance Teacher Wang had given him over the past two years.

'Teacher Wang, Li Wen will surely repay your care in the future!' he vowed solemnly in his heart.

After encouraging Li Wen a few more times, reminding him to consolidate his gains gradually, Teacher Wang turned and continued to patrol the Martial Arts Classroom to guide other students.

Watching Teacher Wang leave, Li Wen's thoughts raced.

Although the joy of the recent Breakthrough was intense, it also made him more clearly realize the huge gap between himself and true geniuses.

However, the flame in his heart did not dim because of this; rather, it burned even stronger!

'In this world, what is the true foundation of power? It's not the temporary Rank of the Physical Body!'

Li Wen's gaze swept quietly over everyone in the Martial Arts Room.

It landed on Wei Wu—the student whose academic scores were top-tier but who had almost given up on martial arts.

His Physical Body Rank was 7.2, a full 1.1 Ranks higher than Li Wen's, who had just broken through to 6.1 yesterday!

But what about his Martial Arts Technique Realm? It probably hadn't even reached Minor Achievement in basic swordsmanship; he possessed Qi and Blood, but his actual combat strength was mediocre.

Other students from affluent families generally had Physical Body Ranks reaching 7.5 or higher.

But because their Technique Realms were generally stuck around Advanced Minor Achievement or Advanced Major Achievement, they were merely bags of flesh with greater strength and speed when facing Martial Artists who had truly mastered 'Secret Techniques.'

This confirmed what was written in the books:

'In the face of a Unity Realm master, as long as the opponent's technique has not reached the Unity Realm, a higher Physical Body Rank only means a moving target with higher strength and speed, easily killed with a casual strike.'

'And the core of improving the Technique Realm lies in understanding and enlightenment—it lies in Comprehension Ability!'

Upon realizing this, Li Wen's inner confidence sprouted like a spring bamboo shoot, growing uncontrollably.

With the experience from his previous life's game and his profound understanding of the potential of the Scholar's core skill, 'Absolute Focus,' he was acutely aware of the terrifying amplification the 'Absolute Focus' effect received upon leveling up the Scholar Rank—higher Comprehension Ability! Stronger control over the Physical Body!

And this was precisely the most critical element for improving the Technique Realm! It even provided a huge boost to the understanding and cultivation efficiency of Cultivation Techniques!

The Physical Body Rank could be quickly piled up through resources, although resources were currently a huge problem for him.

But compared to the threshold for improving the Technique Realm, which required extremely high Comprehension Ability and long periods of refinement, raising the Physical Body Rank threshold was relatively 'lower'—as long as there were 'enough' resources.

'So, my real advantage lies in the speed of improving my Technique Realm! With the Scholar by my side, this is my biggest trump card!'

Li Wen's gaze became exceptionally firm, and for the first time, he was filled with absolute certainty about the future.

As long as he could continuously accumulate scholar experience and raise his Scholar Rank, amplifying the effect of Absolute Focus, his Comprehension Ability and learning capacity would continue to soar!

Breakthroughs in the Technique Realm would become faster and faster, forming a positive feedback loop.

As for the Physical Body Rank... he would also find ways to work hard to catch up.

And once a higher Technique Realm established an overwhelming advantage over peers of the same tier, it would provide opportunities to gain more chances and resources to feed back into the improvement of his Physical Body!

"Cough, cough..." As he was thinking, a slight dizziness and some muscle soreness washed over him.

Continuously practicing the Major Achievement level saber technique over a dozen times at high intensity, coupled with the excitement of a recent Breakthrough, meant the consumption of stamina and Qi and Blood was far greater than usual.

He did not force himself to continue practicing the saber. Instead, he gently leaned the saber against the wall.

He walked to the long bench reserved for rest in the corner of the Martial Arts Room, sat down, picked up an energy drink, and sipped it slowly to replenish water and energy.

The sunlight from outside streamed through the tall glass windows, warmly illuminating Li Wen's figure as he quietly recovered. Behind him, a long shadow was cast, and within that shadow, it seemed a sharp, irresistible Aura, on the verge of breaking free from its chrysalis, was brewing.